The sky was becoming blue as we left our mooring with two locks to negotiate before reaching Stoke Bruerne itself. Much to our surprise a boat was emerging from the lock above as Pat was setting the lock for us. That was all we saw moving all day apart from one boat later on the Northampton Arm. We had the tunnel to ourselves and stopped at Gayton Junction for water, then a few minutes later at Gayton Marina to buy an Environment Agency Key for the Nene. We met our Capped Heron friends as they were disembarking after their weeks holiday and they seemed happy with their adventure in spite of the poor weather. A friendly welcome in the marina office too and once the paperwork was done (the keys are individually numbered and registered £10.00) we had our key. The key looks very flimsy of an unusual design, but we need it for the electric guillotine locks. Then we set off down the 17 locks to Northampton, the first 13 close together as a flight. They are single locks, but the lock handrails and lack of stepping boards make jumping the gates impossible, so a long walk round to open both gates. As usual, Pat was one lock ahead getting that ready, so then there was also the problem of closing up after. I found that it was possible to get a rope around the handrail of one gate and pull it shut from the boat, so that it was only necessary to get off on one side to go up and shut the other. Again the lock geometry in most cases did not allow easy access to both sides from below without moving the boat around. However this worked well enough to fulfill the requirement that the boat should always be moving (almost). At Lock 13 things changed. The locks are now 1/2 to 3/4 miles apart and the pounds shallow and full of dead cut rushes. These accumulate in the lock throats and on the bows to produce a large mat slowing the boat further. Our progress dropped dramatically, so much so that we were at risk of missing our scheduled arrival at Billing Marina where we have booked for 4 nights. The canal had a look of dereliction and desperately in need of some maintenance. I am sure that the local team do their best, but really the whole section to Lock 17 needs dredging and bank clearance to eliminate this problem for the future. Fortunately it is not our intention to return this way. The area around Lock 17 is not pretty in spite of a lot of new residential accommodation blocks with some cut grass "gardens". It seriously needs tidying up - not CaRT's problem. It does not have to look like this. Once on the River our speed picked up instantly and we soon found ourselves at Lock 1 ttrying to open the strange gate locks with our new key. It took a little while to work out and also the hundred or so winds for the sluices. This did not auger well for future progress. However, we were pleased to find no locks on gates further on and indeed many were open in our favour. The scenery is much more open here and the wind can blow unhindered, so at some of the locks were were having considerable difficulty mooring up for access. The landings are not condusive for a straight in approach, but are often set back requiring considerable manoeuvering for a narrowboat. The electrically powered guillotine gates also seemed to take ages. Finally arriving at the marina at 15:45 we welcomed by our friends and were soon equipped with our gate passes, electricity cards and access permits for the many attractions at this large site. It is really like a large holiday camp, but leaning towards caravans and camping but with holiday cabins on sale too. This weekend is a 4x4 and militaria rally. After some hours drinking and chatting we returned to our boat for a supper of fish and chips.
An interesting statement within your blog! The only other way to return is via The Wash isn't it?
Posted by: Sue . | April 17, 2013 at 22:14
Sue, You are, of course exactly right. That is the intention, although I do not want to tempt fate by broadcasting it. (Oh dear now I have!)
Posted by: Michael Fisher | April 18, 2013 at 08:11
Oh you will enjoy that for sure. We had the most fantastic time. The weather will be much better in May.
I don't know if you have seen the report on Mo's blog but it might be of interest to read..
http://balmaha.blog.co.uk/2013/04/16/narrowboats-across-the-wash-sunday-7th-april-15760292/
We should be passing each other tomorrow (Friday)too.
Posted by: Sue . | April 18, 2013 at 23:50